years since the U.S. Pulled its troops out of Iraq and president Obama declared the war over. I was with U.S. Soldiers on the last U.S. Convoy out of Iraq in 2011 after covering the war from the beginning. And I was with the U.S. Commander after the Americans officially handed it over to the Iraqis. It was a somewhat somber day, no celebrations, just a simple ceremony at U.S. Military headquarters, camp victory, clearly named prematurely, but on that day, there was nothing but pride and hope for the future. Pure sacrifice has helped the Iraqi people begin a new chapter full of hope for prosperity and hope. Peace. Reporter: The wife of the current chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, general martin Dempsey, cried talking to me that day, it was the first time she had seen this country where her husband, son and daughter had all served. It's pretty amazing. What the American culture has done to help this country is nothing short of miraculous. Reporter: We flew above Baghdad after the ceremony with the last commanding general of U.S. Forces in Iraq, general Lloyd Austin. Pointing out his old headquarters and how different the city looked from 2003 after the initial "Shock and awe" invasion. Say bye to Baghdad. Yeah. Reporter: And I was with our soldiers for the final ride out of the country with a memory of those who didn't make it home, those 4,487 Americans who gave their lives in this war, was still fresh. Lot of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice from that unit. Like, we're finishing it up for them. Reporter: But as dawn break and we crossed into Kuwait, there was great relief that the war was behind them. And yet, I look back on what I said that day and what many others were feeling, that the relief might only be temporary. The war is not over for Iraqis, Iraq remains a very dangerous place. And there's a huge threat of sectarian violence and also Al Qaeda coming back in. Because war never goes the way you expect it to go, even when you say it's over. In fact, general Austin who I said good-bye to Baghdad with from that helicopter now heads central command and overseeing the air drops. Now, we honor our fellow Americans who serve and is sacrifice. This week, a two-star general Harold Greene joined the ranks of thousands who have given their lives. That's all for us today. Thanks for sharing part of your Sunday with us. Check out "World news" with David Muir tonight. Have a great day. Have a great day.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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